Pick up your mess, campers told

BE TIDY CAMPERS: Tickets will be issued to people who leave their camp sites in a mess.

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Visitors to holiday spots in the Waitaki Lakes region who leave litter or glass behind can expect to receive tickets.

Waitaki District camp supervisor Simon Fox, whose patch includes Parsons Rock, the Boat Harbour, Loch Laird, Sailors' Cutting and Lake Middleton, said he took a firm stance on litter at Labour Weekend and intends adopting the same tactic over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

"If people litter or leave broken glass or bottles behind, I will use the Reserves Act and have them charged by police," he said.

"The main culprits are youth, but not all youth are guilty.

"Some are well behaved but if they are old enough to drink, they are old enough to be responsible and clean up their mess."

Mr Fox served trespass notices on six youths in January, preventing them from staying at council-owned campsites for two years.

"If they're going to spoil the environment for everyone else at the site, then they don't deserve to be there," Mr Fox said.

Although the weather is likely to be unsettled leading up to New Year, family groups have been among the first to arrive at the popular holiday spots, according to Mr Fox.

"The weather is a bit unpleasant but they seem to be enjoying themselves," he said.

"We have reminded everyone about watching the level of the lakes if the rain continues and to be aware there may be the odd piece of debris floating around in the water as well," he said.

"For those using boats or other watercraft on the lakes, remember to wear a life jacket."

MetService duty forecaster Mike O'Connor says the region will be wet for a few more days.

"Pack a rain coat, the wet weather is here right through until at least early New Year," he said.